Pakistan urges France to raise its voice against Indian aggression in IOK

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PARIS: (APP) Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here on Friday apprised Jean-Marc Ayrault , Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France of the worsening human rights situation in Indian held Kashmir, brutal killings and the severe eye injuries and blindness caused by indiscriminate use of pellet guns.

Finance Minister who is currently on an official visit to Paris (France), also urged that France, being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to raise its voice against the Indian oppression in held Kashmir and play a constructive role in resolution of the long outstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the Security Council resolutions.

While wrapping up his official visit to Paris, Ishaq Dar , met Jean-Marc Ayrault , Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France, a statement issued by Embassy of Pakistan Paris said.

Finance Minister conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice.

While condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said that "we share the pain and grief of the French people as Pakistan itself has been victim of terrorism for past decades."

Both the Ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation in eradicating the menace from their soils.

The statement said that both the ministers expressed satisfaction on the overall upward trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and France. Noting that the current volume of bilateral trade does not commensurate with the true potential, they agreed to intensify efforts through high level visits, exchange of business delegation and increased cooperation in education and cultural fields.

They also agreed in principle to upgrade the political and economic consultations to ministerial level.

Finance Minister thanked the French government for facilitating his visit to Paris.

He briefed the Foreign Minister about his very useful meetings and interaction with leading French companies, French Parliament, think tanks and media.

French Foreign Minister complimented the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for turning around Pakistan 's economy in a short span of three years.

He noted that there was great enthusiasm within French corporate sector to benefit from the growing business opportunities and conducive investment climate in Pakistan .

Noting that Pakistan has greatly suffered due to global climate change in the shape of floods, earthquake and droughts, the Finance Minister expressed Pakistan 's strong commitment to international efforts for addressing the adverse effects of climate change.

He assured the French Foreign Minister that Pakistan is working for an early ratification of COP21 Agreement.